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NZ South Island in 8 Days

From glaciers to lakes and everything in between, in can be hard to narrow down your plans if your time on this island of adventure is limited, but fear not, we’ve got New Zealand sussed out. Tried and tested, here’s how you can see the south island’s best bits in 8 days without suffering from sleep deprivation and having to endure days of endless driving.

Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura

Drive Time: 2- 2.5 hours

See: The breathtaking scenery along the Peninsula Walkway

Do: Spend an afternoon kayaking with seals. You’ll find colonies perched on the rocks not too far off the coast and if you’re lucky,you might see them catching their dinner.

Highlight: The coastal roads before entering Kaikoura are incredibly scenic. With panoramic views of the sea and nothing but a few pebbles between you and the water’s edge, its a drive that is terrifying as it is beautiful.

kaikura new zealand kayak

Day 1 Continued: Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs

Time: Around 2 hours, then camp over night

Stay: Alpine Holiday Apartments & Campground

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Day 2: Morning in Hanmer Springs

See: Sweeping views of the surrounding greenery and mountains from the top of Conical Hill.

hanmer springs new zealand

Do:  Mountain biking through the forest or visit the ever popular hot springs.

Highlight: The Cherry blossom down in the town centre

driving in new zealand

Day 2 Continued: Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef

Time: 4.5-5 hours

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Do: Relax on your first day and explore the Franz Josef area.

See: The scenery on this drive is some of the most spectacular on the island. You’ll forget all about the distance driven as watching the road and everything around you is like an activity in itself.

Tip: Book onto a Heli Hike for tomorrow. If it is cancelled, you have then left yourself with several more opportunities to partake in one.

Stay: Rainforest Retreat for fantastic food and guaranteed company.

Day 3: Franz Josef

franz josef glacier 1

Do: The Franz Josef Heli Hike. You’ll be flown up and onto the 12km long glacier. Guided by a pro, you’ll trek for several hours, exploring the blue ice caves and hearing stories of the glacier’s past.

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Relax: In the Glacier Hot Pools after a tough hike.

Stay:  Rainforest Retreat

Day 4: Franz Josef

Do: Drive to nearby Fox Glacier to take a hike up close to its majesty. You’ll pass the copper filled lake en route.

fox

See: The reflection of Mount Cook reflected upon this lake in the Westland National Park. Take a stroll around the park itself for scenes of nature at its absolute best.

mount cook

Stay: Rainforest Retreat

Day 5: Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka

Time: 3.5hrs

Do: Climb Mount Iron for views of the lake, town and far reaching natural beauty.

new zealand scenery

See: The sunset down by the peaceful shores of Lake Wanaka.

lake wanaka sunset

Where to stay:  Lake Outlet Holiday Park, Wanaka for easy access to the lake’s edge

Day 6: Lake Wanaka to Queenstown

Time: 1 hr

See: Lake views as you stroll along the waterfront

Do: Luge from the top of Queenstown’s highest point and enjoy epic scenery at speed on the way down.

Drink: A cider or two at the Pig & Whistle in the sunshine

queenstown

Eat: At the infamous Fergburger. It has become a staple for tourists passing through.

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Enjoy: The taste of New Zealand’s cheese and world-famous wine at the local vineyards, followed by a walk through the countryside.

Tip: If you have been travelling for a while, Queenstown is a good place to do some shopping.

Stay: Queenstown Lake View Holiday Park

Day 7: Queenstown to Oamaru

Time: 3.5 hrs

Watch out: For the abundance of sheep that may be crossing the road.

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See: The Moaraki Boulders At 2.2 metres in size, it took an estimated 4.5 million years for them to form.

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See: The Yellow Penguins at one of the colony points along the coast as they come in to nest for the night.

Stay: Waitaki Waters Holiday Park

Day 8: Oamaru to Christchurch

See: A kiwi at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. They’re not just hopping all over the place as you might think, so coming to a reserve is your best chance at catching sight of New Zealand’s celebrity bird.

Fly home.

 

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